### MPs Seek Amendments to Controversial Assisted Dying Bill

A group of MPs who supported the assisted dying bill in its initial vote have voiced concerns about specific clauses and are advocating for changes before the final approval. The contentious part of the bill allows doctors to bring up assisted dying as an option even if the terminally ill patient has not requested it.

Under the proposed law, adults with less than six months to live would have the right to end their life with the help of a medical professional. The bill passed its first stage in the House of Commons on Friday with a majority of 55 votes. However, MPs are calling for revisions as the bill undergoes further scrutiny and multiple rounds of voting in the coming months.

The bill states that medical practitioners can use their professional judgment to decide whether and when to discuss assisted dying with patients. The British Medical Association (BMA) is against prohibiting doctors by law from raising the subject, emphasizing the importance of professional discretion.

Despite supporting the legislation, Labour MP for Dover and Deal, Mike Tapp, insists that the bill must explicitly prevent doctors from introducing the option of assisted dying to any patient unless the patient raises it first. Tapp expressed concerns about the potential for unintended coercion during times of emotional distress and vulnerability.

Similarly, Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds, Roz Savage, argued that assisted dying should be a patient-led decision and advised against doctors or others suggesting it to patients. Savage emphasized the importance of this choice being free from external influence.

According to the proposed law, for an assisted death to occur, it must be approved by two doctors and a High Court judge. Following a passionate debate, MPs endorsed the law change in the first Commons vote on the issue in nearly ten years. The bill will continue to be debated, with MPs and peers potentially amending parts of it before both Houses of Parliament can approve it for enactment.

Marie Tidball, Labour MP for Penistone and Stockbridge, stressed that the legislation should ensure that doctors present all options, including the best palliative and end-of-life care, alongside assisted dying. She called for amendments to make this clear in the bill.

Labour MP for Blackpool South, Chris Webb, also voiced his reservations. Opponents of the bill, like Conservative MP Danny Kruger, caution that it remains "very dangerous" in its current form and hold out hope that stronger safeguards could still sway votes against it during later stages.

Campaigners backing the bill have highlighted the BMA's opposition to what they label a "gag" clause, arguing that doctors should rely on their professional judgment regarding discussions about assisted dying. A spokesperson for the BMA reiterated that doctors should not be legally barred from discussing the subject if deemed appropriate.

The Labour MP leading the bill, Kim Leadbeater, has shown a willingness to revisit these concerns as discussions progress through committee reviews next year.